V6 Temp sensor problem

[Eric Langheinrich]

My check engine light is on. I actually took it to the shop, they pulled the codes and told me the engine temp sensor was bad. They replaced the sensor and away I went. Between that, an oil change and a new ignition switch around $340. Unfortunately, the next morning on my way to work, I stopped for gas. When I got back in the car, the check engine light was on again. I've noticed that the temp gauge seems to be acting a little wierd. It only seems to read a temperature sporadically. I figure the check engine light is problably a result of dirty connectors with the sensor. 

Is the place to start by pulling the IC and spraying the temp guage connectors with some electrical cleaner and removing the connection from the temp sensor and doing the same? What's the right thing to clean the connections? Is there something else that I should be looking at?